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M6 delays after people found in lorry Lorry driver arrested after 'migrants' found on M6
(about 7 hours later)
A lorry driver is being questioned after 27 suspected migrants were found in the back of a vehicle stopped by police on the M6. A lorry driver is being questioned after police stopped a vehicle on the M6 near Stoke and found 27 suspected migrants in the back.
Staffordshire Police arrested the man, 42, on suspicion of "facilitating the illegal entry" of people into the UK.
Officers acted after receiving reports flagging up concerns about the welfare of those in the wagon, the force said.
It is understood they were medically assessed and transferred to immigration officials for interview.
Part of the motorway was closed from about 16:00 GMT - causing lengthy tailbacks - as police searched vehicles near Keele services.Part of the motorway was closed from about 16:00 GMT - causing lengthy tailbacks - as police searched vehicles near Keele services.
Staffordshire Police said a man had been arrested at the scene. The lorry was stopped on the northbound carriageway between Junctions 15 and 16 at around 17:45.
It is understood those on board were medically assessed and transferred to immigration officials for interview.
The motorway was initially closed in both directions between junctions 15 and 16 amid reports of large-scale police activity. It fully reopened at about 10pm.
'People escaped''People escaped'
Driver Danny Ellis said he saw 30 to 40 police cars pass him on the northbound side of the motorway, and said three or four lorries were stopped and searched.Driver Danny Ellis said he saw 30 to 40 police cars pass him on the northbound side of the motorway, and said three or four lorries were stopped and searched.
"We were told for safety to get back in our cars and lock them," he said."We were told for safety to get back in our cars and lock them," he said.
"We were told a lot of people escaped and ran from the back of these lorries.""We were told a lot of people escaped and ran from the back of these lorries."
The 30-year-old telecoms worker said he could see men on the ground being treated by paramedics.The 30-year-old telecoms worker said he could see men on the ground being treated by paramedics.
Another eyewitness told BBC Radio Stoke he saw police stopping lorries on the motorway. Another eyewitness told BBC Radio Stoke he saw police stopping lorries.
"They pulled a white trailer up on the side and they were shouting 'are they in here?'", he said. He said: "They pulled a white trailer up on the side and they were shouting 'are they in here?'
"The driver opened the vehicle and I just watched 15 of them come out.""The driver opened the vehicle and I just watched 15 of them come out."
"I did see a few run up the motorway and the police gave chase. Both of those people were brought back." Police said a number of people fled but were eventually detained, with none reporting serious injuries.
Both carriageways have since re-opened, Highways England said. Deputy Chief Constable Nick Baker, said: "We were acting on information where there was real concern for people in distress and therefore it was necessary for us to take immediate and appropriate action."
Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and West Midlands Ambulance Service are also at the scene, police added. He apologised to motorists for disruption on the motorway, which Highways England said was not fully reopened until about 22:00 GMT.
Motorists have faced huge tailbacks on the road, including hundreds of Burton Albion supporters. Among those caught up in huge tailbacks were hundreds of Burton Albion supporters who had been travelling to their team's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City, which they lost 9-0.
They were travelling to the north-west to witness their team's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City. Burton were thrashed 9-0 in the game, one of the biggest in the club's history. Did you witness the incident? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Highways England advised people to avoid the area and follow diversions where possible.
Have you been affected by the disruption? Email us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
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